The base determines whether a tar and chip driveway lasts ten years or thirty. Every job we build in Dún Laoghaire starts with excavation to formation, a geotextile separation membrane, and at least 150mm of compacted Clause 804 hardcore. Where an existing tarmac or concrete base is sound and at the right level, we can apply the surface dressing directly — saving you the base cost without compromising the result.
Why Dún Laoghaire homes choose us for tar and chip
Drainage matters in Dún Laoghaire as it does everywhere in Ireland. Tar and chip is not fully permeable, so where a drive falls towards the house we install a channel drain or soakaway within the boundary to satisfy the planning exemption condition. We design the falls and drainage as part of the site assessment, not as an afterthought.
The aggregate we specify for Dún Laoghaire jobs is chosen to suit the local landscape and the property type. For rural and semi-rural frontages, natural grey limestone or brown quartzite in 14mm gives a coarser, more traditional texture; for suburban driveways, 10mm charcoal or golden flint chip produces a tighter, more refined finish. Blended two-colour aggregates are increasingly popular because they give a more natural, varied appearance than a single stone.
Local knowledge: working in Dún Laoghaire
Conservation is the constant in Dún Laoghaire. The architectural conservation areas around Tivoli, Glenageary Road and the seafront roads mean that new hard surfacing must be in keeping — granite setts, natural stone flags, warm gravel and muted block colours are the palette, not bright modern paving. We know the rules and design within them.
How the job runs
A standard tar and chip driveway in Dún Laoghaire takes two to three working days: base preparation and any drainage work on day one, bitumen application and chip rolling on day two, then a final sweep and inspection before handover. The surface needs 24–48 hours to cure fully before normal traffic, and a small amount of loose chip in the first week is normal as the binder sets.
Every job in Dún Laoghaire is measured on site before we quote. The written specification states the base build-up, the aggregate type and size, and whether the price is for a surface dressing or a full build — so you can compare our price against any other quote on equal terms.